Dig this! Archaeology boat tour of the Taunton River

What it isThe Massachusetts Archaeological Society and the Taunton River Watershed Alliance have teamed up to present “Archaeology in the Watershed,” a canoe/kayak tour of the Taunton River and its tributaries.When it isSaturday, Oct. 6 (rain da...

Launch will be in Bridgewater from the Town River, a tributary of the Taunton River (precise location to be announced, depends on stream flow)

More details

The Taunton River was known as the “Great River” or Tetequet by native people. Along with its tributaries beginning in the north in Easton and Brockton and flowing through the Bridgewaters, the rivers provided a wide range of natural resources to support a sizable prehistoric population as its course continues to Mount Hope Bay through Middleboro, Taunton, Dighton and Berkley.

Among the significant findings are artifacts such as spear points, evidence of village locations and fish weirs.

“This event is important and much needed, as education and public awareness of our past will help preserve these locations as we manage development in a way that preserves our archaeological and historic resources,” Taunton River Watershed Alliance Executive Director Carolyn LaMarre said.

Once again this year, the river guide for the annual expedition will be Dr. Curtiss Hoffman, past president of the Massachusetts Archaeological Society. A Bridgewater State University anthropology professor, Hoffman is an activist supporting the rich historical values in the watershed.